If an observer reports IC in column 9, which statement is true regarding visibility conditions?

When an observer reports "IC" in column 9, this indicates the presence of "Ice Crystals." This phenomenon is commonly associated with high-altitude, cold cloud formations where ice crystals can form without the presence of significant cloud cover at lower altitudes. The presence of ice crystals does not necessarily correlate with reduced visibility, as they can exist even when the sky appears generally clear with good visibility underneath.

This context supports the notion that the visibility could indeed be clear, as ice crystals do not obstruct visibility in the same way that precipitation or heavy cloud cover might. Therefore, it is accurate to conclude that, with an "IC" report, the sky may be clear while still indicating the presence of ice phenomena aloft. Understanding the conditions that give rise to such atmospheric observations helps clarify that an "IC" report does not inherently imply problematic visibility issues.